Agnes Kharshiing brutally assaulted

Staff ReporterSHILLONG, Nov 08: A brutal attack by unknown miscreants at Sohshrieh in Tuber village has left noted social activist and president of the Civil Society Women’s Organizations (CSWO), Agnes Kharshiing with severe injuries which has prompted authorities to rush her to the Civil Hospital in Jowai and thereon to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in the outskirts of Shillong.Kharshiing and her friend A Sangma received severe head injuries in the attack which took place at Sohshrieh in Tuber village, about 80 kilometers from here.

The anti-corruption and women’s rights activist has been raising her voice against illegal coal mining in the Jaintia Hills region.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a blanket ban on coal mining in Meghalaya for the past four years since April 17, 2014.Confirming the attack, EJH district police chief Silvester Nongtyngnger said that upon receiving information about the assault on the activist at around 1.30-1.40 pm, two police teams from the SP’s office and Ladrymbai beat house were immediately pressed into action.“Our team found both of them (Kharshiing and Sangma) in critical condition after being attacked by a mob and they were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” he said.Nongtynger further informed that a case has been registered and police are making all out efforts to identify the culprits.Nongtyngnger said that he is yet to know the purpose of the activist’s visit to the district. “She (Kharshiing) did not inform me about her visit,” he added.